JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 9, 2013) – The ETSU baseball team begins a busy week when the Bucs host Rhode Island for a brief two-game series, starting Sunday afternoon at Thomas Stadium. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m.

ETSU (8-3) and Rhode Island wrap up the series Monday evening at 6:05, while the Bucs close out their six-game homestand Tuesday night against Winthrop at 7:05 from Thomas Stadium.

Overall, the Blue and Gold will play seven games in the next eight days starting Sunday afternoon. Following its home stint, ETSU travels to UNC Asheville on Wednesday, before opening up Atlantic Sun Conference play on Friday at USC Upstate.

LAST TIME OUT FOR THE BUCS

- ETSU – who has won eight of its first 11 games to start the season – is coming off a series win over Marist last weekend. Senior right-hander Kerry Doane (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) began the series with a six-hit shutout in the Bucs’ 3-0 victory, while Dylan Tritsch’s (Boca Raton, Fla.) walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th capped off a 9-8 comeback win last Saturday. Unfortunately, the Blue and Gold couldn’t capture their second straight weekend sweep as the Red Foxes snapped ETSU’s eight-game home win streak by handing the Bucs a 13-2 setback in the series finale on Sunday.

- Sophomore Chris Riopedre (Miami, Fla.) hit safely in all three games and extended his hit streak to seven straight games, while four of Clinton Freeman’s (Jonesborough, Tenn.) five hits went for extra-bases – including the key two-out triple in the bottom of the ninth which tied the game at eight on Saturday. Freeman also tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless ball in relief to earn his third straight winning decision in the 9-8 victory.

- Freshman Dylan Powers (Blue Ridge, Va.) started all three games as the designated hitter against the Red Foxes and went 3-for-8 (.375) with a double and two RBI. Powers’ first collegiate hit was key as his double in the fourth inning on Friday drove in two runs, which ended up being the only offense Doane needed to work with. Meanwhile, sophomore newcomer Matt Sorrow (Griffin, Ga.) made his first start behind the plate for ETSU on Sunday and drove in a run with his second inning single to left.

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND

- The Rams have lost nine of their first 11 games to start the season, but Rhode Island has played five ranked foes during that span.

- Senior right-handed pitcher Mike Bradstreet was named College Baseball Insider Louisville Slugger Northeast Region and Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week after tossing a two-hit shutout, along with striking out 10 and walking none in the win over Ohio.

- At the plate, the Rams are led by junior infielder/RHP Joe Landi, as he’s hitting a team-best .319 (15-47) with five runs scored and four RBI, while preseason All-American selection Jeff Roy has a pair of doubles and seven runs scored in his first 11 games played.

- Rhode Island was picked to finish second in the A-10, and the Rams return six position starters and 11 players from last season’s team that went 33-25, 16-8.

- The Eagles – who have dropped 10 of their first 13 games – will be coming off a weekend series versus Penn.

- After knocking off Clemson 3-2 back on Feb. 27 at Clemson, Winthrop has lost five straight – three at UCF, and one against The Citadel and Penn.

- Winthrop has three players hitting above .300, with junior Cody Dolan leading the pack at a .400 clip – 18-for-45 with five doubles, one home run, four RBIs, and nine runs scored.

- The Eagles have been outscored 67-45 in their first 13 games, but have only been outhit 109-104. On the mound, Winthrop pitchers have struck out 118 batters in 113.2 innings.

SERIES VS. THE EAGLES

- Tuesday marks just the sixth meeting between the two schools, with Winthrop winning all five games in the series – including an 8-4 victory in the last pairing back on March 4, 2009, in Rock Hill, S.C.

- Tuesday will also be the first-ever game played in Johnson City between ETSU and Winthrop.

PITCHING MATCHUP

Both teams have yet to name a starter for Tuesday’s game.

COVERAGE

- Live stats will be available for every ETSU game this season via StatBroadcast by visiting ETSUBucs.com. Fans can access live stats on their computers, mobile devices or tablets.

- Live audio will be available for the games on Monday and Tuesday by visiting ETSUBucs.com.

- Live updates will also be posted on Twitter by following @ETSUAthletics and @ETSU_Baseball.

TICKET INFO

- Single game tickets to ETSU baseball games are $10 for seats behind home plate and $5 for seats along the baselines. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium, online at ETSUBucs.com, or by calling (423) 439-3878.

TAILGATING

- Come out to Thomas Stadium early and tailgate prior to ETSU baseball games this season. A designated tailgating area will be roped off in the parking lot where fans can enjoy a festive environment before the Bucs take the field.